The afternoon sunlight pours through the window of the room inside the Pony, glancing off an inkbottle standing on the table. A quill is dipped into the ink, held by a callused hand that briefly tucks away a stray lock of hair tickling a face that reveals itself to be Orlenne's.
I have done it. Joined the Grey Cavaliers. Is it the right thing to do? Only time will tell. I am unsure, but am happy and relieved to feel I am doing something towards punishing the culprits however slowly it may be. The joining ceremony was quite unusual, held in the Bree Hunting Lodge. In fact, it was only by force of will that I did not throw up! Ceolweld explained that the vows made by the Aspirant are to the Aspirant, not to the Cavaliers. He has also promised me justice. In return he made me promise not to reveal any of the rites used during the ceremony. A pity, I am sure it would be very interesting for people, but a promise is a promise and I am not one to break mine. After the ceremony he and I spoke for a long time. It is the first time I have revealed so much of what happened at the farm and yet I have not told all. Some things are better left unspoken I think. Nor do I wish to remind myself more than necessary.
Orlenne puts down the quill for a moment, rolling up the sleeves of her dress. Observing the white scars dotted here and there on her arms she shivers involuntarily, quickly pulling down the sleeves again and resuming her writing.
He once again explained what he was doing in Bree. I still do not quite understand, sometimes the man seems to speak in riddles. Perhaps it's his Dale background. Only two things keep him in Bree now, since the third, Lieve, seems to be over now. The other two are something about duty and safeguarding Bree. Whatever it is, I'm sure he is more than competent. Later, after the ceremony I met up with Thryll. She was looking more radiant than ever. She had ordered an Isenwine, but did not drink it. Instead she insisted I should take it in celebration of my joining the Grey Cavaliers. Normally she would drink with me without hesitation, yet this time she drank nothing! Could it be she is with child? I suppose anything is possible. I tried not to show my thoughts, she is a good friend after all and the wedding date has been decided. If she is with child she will tell us in her own good time.
Orlenne smiles to herself at the thought of a budding life, unconsciously touching her own abdomen before closing the book and standing up to carry on with the mending that is waiting for her.
